Flood Warning Terminated

May 15, 2017 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WATERSHED—The FLOOD WARNING issued May 5th, 2017 for the Ottawa River at Constance Bay and the FLOOD WARNING for the Mississippi River watershed are both TERMINATED. Levels and flows throughout the Mississippi River watershed and along the Ottawa River at Constance Bay have been steadily declining. With no significant rainfall in the forecast, this trend is expected to continue and no additional flood concerns are anticipated at this time. However, flows and levels are expected to remain higher than normal for the next seven to 10 days as the water moves through the system.

Area residents who have installed sandbag barriers are advised to be cautious about removing them too early as any significant rainfall during this time could aggravate conditions. The following is a list of tips for proper disposal methods for the sandbags and material:

• Wear gloves and boots to protect yourself from scrapes and contaminants

• Sand that has been in contact with floodwaters containing bacteria, hazardous chemicals, sewage, septic waste, and oil or fuel products can cause health problems and environmental damage if not handled properly

• Because of the possibility of contamination and the health and environmental risks they pose, sand from sandbags should never be used in sandboxes, playgrounds, or other areas where it will be on the ground surface or directly in contact with people. It can only be used in construction projects

• Sand should not be disposed of in a wetland, waterway, floodplain or other environmentally sensitive or protected area.

• Do not dispose of sand into your local watercourse

• Unused, empty sandbags can be saved for future use, recycled, or disposed of

• Clean, filled sandbags can be saved and reused at other flood sites for up to six months

• The sand can be used for fill, to cover icy roads and sidewalks, mixed into concrete or mortar, as a base for sidewalks or pavement, or for cover in a landfill

• Check with your municipality to see if unused sandbags may be returned to their local work depots.